Kathy Jimino: Don't drink and drive

The holiday's are upon us! And as we all take part in our own seasonal celebrations, I strongly urge that if consuming alcohol is part of your plans, you put a certain precaution in place, that being not to drink and drive.

This time of year with family and friends can create positive memories that last a lifetime making it that much more important that we each do our part to assure that these memories remain positive, and don't end up as nightmares.

There is no excuse for choosing to drive drunk. Not to even mention the illegality, this selfish and thoughtless action can also have devastating impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones as well as the lives of complete strangers.

Obviously, no time is the right time to drink and drive. It is a fact however, that crashes are most prevalent during the holiday season as more people are on the roadways traveling to gatherings, parties, and other holiday celebrations. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that the number of alcohol related fatalities spike this time of year with more than 40 percent of fatal vehicular collisions attributed to alcohol. This is 50 percent higher than any other time of year.

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Fortunately, not all alcohol related vehicle crashes end with a loss of a loved one, but these types of crashes all too often severely impact others as well, with victims often carrying physical injuries and family members and friends carrying mental trauma with them for the rest of their lives.

Every one of us must do our part to assure that our family, friends, and neighbors have many more years of wonderful memories ahead. To help make a happy and safe holiday season for all, I am asking that you plan accordingly if alcohol is part of your celebrations.

I also hope that you will encourage those who have had too much to drink not to drive, to give them a ride or call them a cab. This simple gesture could prevent a tragedy, save a life, and preserve the many positive memories to come.

And as we talk about each of us doing our part, I am both pleased and appreciative that county employees along with the Netter's Fund Safe Ride Program, our Stop-DWI program, victim advocates and members of our Community Emergency Response Team are once again sacrificing their own New Year's Eve plans to coordinate our safe ride program to assure that one of our courtesy vans will be available at your request if necessary to arrive at your location to pick you up and drive you home. All that you have to do is call 266-7683 between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., with no questions asked.

Additionally, be sure to visit the Netter's Fund website, www.netters.us, for a complete list of bars and restaurants that offer the free Safe Ride Program, not only during the holiday season but year round as well.

With options such as these being readily available, it is obvious that there is always a smart, convenient, and affordable solution for you to get home safely after an evening of celebration that does not involve putting yourself and others at risk by driving drunk.

It truly is up to us to help assure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone is not marred by the tragic and senseless results that all too often occur when someone chooses to drive drunk.